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Cozumel, Mexico
Travel Guide |
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Cozumel
Vacations and Travel Guide
Tourist and
travel
information
Cozumel, gem of the Mexican
Caribbean, is located twelve miles off the southern coast of the Yucatan, just
across from Playa del Carmen and nearby Akumal.
Cozumel is a
destination for people seeking a relaxing, laid back vacation that includes the
island's world renowned diving or snorkeling its fabled coral reefs. Cozumel's
limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear waters which range
from stunning turquoise to deep indigo.
Cozumel Island is the largest
island in the Republic of Mexico and is one the world's top diving destinations.
The island is about 53 km long and 15 km wide with a land mass of 490 square km.
A 3,000 foot deep channel and 19 km separates the island from the Yucatan
Peninsula.
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With only 3% of the island
developed, the rest of the island is inhabited by numerous birds, iguanas
and other wildlife. National parks occupy much of the land and shore. The
interior is covered by marshy lagoons, scrub, and dense jungle where Maya
ruins hide.
On the windward or eastern
side of the island, development is nonexistent with the exception of a
couple of small restaurants or bars scattered along the beach. The east
shore has both rocky areas and long stretches of sand great for surfing
and swimming. The leeward or west side faces the mainland and is where
development is concentrated. The water is calm, ideal for snorkeling or
scuba diving at one of the many reefs just off the coast.
Cozumel's
west coast is where you'll find the majority of the island's development.
The town of San Miguel, the airport, and the hotels are all located on the
western side of the island.
Fortunately, massive resort development is paralyzed by a lack of potable
water and a desire to protect the island's delicate ecosystem. This helps
keep island life simple, and is hands-down the favorite for people seeking
a serene Caribbean island vacation.
Flora and Fauna
With majority of the island undeveloped and covered primarily with
scrub and dense jungle, Cozumel Island has a diverse population of
tropical birds, lizards, coati, deer and other wildlife. Bird
watchers will not be disappointed with the flocks of multicolored
parrots, blue warblers , white egrets and macas.
Climate
The climate on Cozumel
Island is typical of the Caribbean. The average annual temperature is 27
degrees Celsius. From November to May, temperatures are slightly lower at
about 25 degree Celsius. The weather is breezy with low humidity. Daily
activities should not be hindered except during during heavy rains.
History
This island was first
inhabited by the Mayas (explore the Mayas from Indigenous Peoples'
Literature compiled by Glen Walker) . There is also a theory that the Maya
were not the first inhabitants of Cozumel Island but distant cousins of
the Maya who inhabited the continent of "Atlantis". The Mayans were
responsible for the conversion of the island into a major trade center.
During pre Hispanic times, Mesoamerican women traveled across the
channel to the island to honor the goddess of fertility, Ix Chel.
Folk tales claim every Mayan woman was required to make this trip.
In 1517, the arrival of
Spanish slave trader Juan De Grijalva was followed by Spaniard Hermán
Cortés who used Cozumel Island as a base to attack the mainland. Not too
long after, two missionaries arrived to convert the indigenous population.
By 1570, the Spaniards were still not able to colonize the island but
those who were not massacred were decimated by disease.
Thereafter, the island was
occupied by a small native and Spaniard population. During the 17th
and 18th century, pirates used the island as a base and to hide their
treasure. By 1843, the island was completely abandoned.
With the turn of the 20th
century, the chewing gum industry turned their attention to the large
supply of zapote trees on the island which led to the uncovering of Maya
ruins. Then during the 1950's, wealthy Mexicans used Cozumel island
as a resort destination. By the 1960's, explorer Jacques Cousteau opened
the island to divers around the world and today, Cozumel Island is one of
the world's top diving and sun destinations.
Money Matters & Exchange
Rates
It's a good idea to
exchange money at the airport when you arrive for the airport transport
and tips. There is a money exchange booth at the airport but if you plan
to arrive very early or late, it might be a good idea to exchange some
money before you arrive. Most hotels also offer exchange but their rates
are usually not as good as if you exchanged money at a bank or one of the
many exchange houses downtown.
Most restaurants and shops
accept credit cards and traveler's checks. For restaurants, buying goods,
& taxi fares it is usually better to pay in pesos (Mexican
currency). You will receive a better rate this way. Most of the tours and
scuba diving fees are charged in US dollars.
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Mexico. Residential real estate in the city or on the
Caribbean Sea shore. Villas condominiums,
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